Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
COLUMBIA, Mo. (June 30, 2021) — The American Red Cross is once again teaming up with family and friends of Braeden Sconce to host blood drives in his memory July 13 and 14 in Columbia and Fulton. The July 13 drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will be held at Callaway Electric Cooperative, 1313 Cooperative Dr., in Fulton. The July 14 drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be held at Missouri Orthopedic Institute, 1100 Virginia Ave. (Room 2252), in Columbia.
On February 4, 2018, Braeden was on his way to his parent’s house to watch his beloved Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. His car spun out on ice, crashed and caught fire. After receiving 22 units of red blood cells, plus platelets, Braeden was airlifted for surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He eventually passed away from brain injuries on Feb 27. The blood and platelet donations helped give Braeden’s family more time with him and time to preserve his organs for donation. Braeden’s mother Shelly talked about how grateful her family was for the extra time with her son.
“Hospital workers were able to get the bleeding under control thanks to blood donors,” said Shelly, Braeden’s mother. “Braeden loved to give blood, and he has inspired us to become more active in donating and encouraging others to give. We are so grateful to the community for their support at these blood drives in his memory.”
Shelly and her husband Wes have organized three previous blood drives in Central Missouri, collecting 145 blood donations.
Right now, the Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients.
There is no substitute for donated blood products. Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.
About blood donation
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Health insights for donors
At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is also screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.
Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
Blood drive safety
The Red Cross has updated its pandemic safety protocols in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Fully vaccinated individuals, including staff and donors, no longer need to wear masks or socially distance. Unvaccinated individuals continue to be required to wear masks and socially distance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.